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European Commission orders Google to pay record $5 billion fine

The European Commission has been investigating Google's practices since 2015 after European and American rivals complained.

On Wednesday, the Commission ordered Google to pay $5 billion (€4.34 billion) for breaking the law by requiring manufacturers to install its Google Search and Chrome apps as a condition for licensing Google's app store.

Margrethe Vestager, Europe's top antitrust official, said "Google has used Android as a vehicle to cement the dominance of its search engine. They have denied European consumers the benefits of effective competition in the important mobile sphere."

Vestager told reporters that this fine is the largest ever imposed by the European Commission and it reflects the seriousness of the violations. The tech giant has has been ordered to stop its "unfair" practices within 90 days, or face additional penalties.

Google said that it would appeal the decision.

"Android has created more choice for everyone, not less. A vibrant ecosystem, rapid innovation and lower prices are the classic hallmarks of robust competition."

Google has over 2 billion monthly active Android devices around the world. Its competitor (Apple), has yet to reach that mark on iOS devices.